Barrington Illinois

Barrington is an upscale suburban village in Cook and Lake Counties. As of the 2010 census, the population was 10,327 and growing. Barrington is approximately 32 miles northwest of Chicago; it features wetlands, forest preserves, parks, and horse trails in a country-suburban setting. Barrington is the seventh wealthiest village in the United States among other areas. Barrington’s motto is “a great place to live, work, and play!” The architecture of Barrington is Victorian and Victorian Gothic. It’s most notable building is the Octagon House, also known as the Hawley House. It’s one of many historic places in the village.

Barrington’s school District 220 is small yet successful. The elementary schools are Arnett C. Lines, Barbara Rose, Countryside, Grove Avenue, Hough Street, North Barrington, Roslyn Road, and Sunny Hill. Barrington Middle School is one school with two different campuses: Prairie Campus and Station Campus. Barrington High School (BHS) is available to Barrington students. In 2011, Barrington High School students scored a composite average of 25 on the ACT. This is the highest average in the school’s history and about four points higher than the state and national averages.

In downtown Barrington, there are several shopping centers and restaurants including the Ice House Mall and The Foundry. Besides retail stores and restaurants, the Barrington area has numerous parks and nature preserves. The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Barrington as a Tree City USA every year since 1986. Barrington’s Tree Preservation and Management Ordinance makes sure that proper care is given to trees within the area. The parks within the village are Citizens Park, Langendorf Park, Miller Park, and Ron Beese Park. Langendorf Park has tennis courts, playgrounds, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, baseball fields, meeting and activity rooms, and Aqualusion. Aqualusion is a water park that includes a zero depth pool, lap pool, and diving area. Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve is a 782-acre wetlands preserve with 3 miles of a trail, offering views of the marsh. There are various annual events held in Barrington. The Memorial Day Parade, Fourth of July Parade and fireworks, Concours d’Elegance (auto show), and a Homecoming Parade with Barrington High School are held downtown. Barrington Brew Fest showcases Midwest microbrewers and local entertainment. The Great Taste Fest of Barrington is a food festival exhibiting food from local restaurants. It gives local restaurants a chance to show what they have. Every fourth weekend in September, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital hosts Art in the Barn; a fundraiser that includes a juried fine arts show, showcases, and sells fine arts. It started with only 30 artists in 1974 and it now attracts more than 6,500 visitors and offers live entertainment and pony rides for the children. The village of Barrington also hosts multiple charity events including Barring CROP Hunger Walk, Relay for Life held at BHS, and the Hospice Duck Race. The Hospice Duck Race is a rubber duck race that benefits Hospice of Northeastern Illinois. There is only one golf course in Barrington, located near Northwest Highway on the southeastern side of the village.

Being in the top 10 of wealthiest villages in the United States, Barrington is home to a number of different industries. There are a number of different car dealerships including Barrington Volvo, Marquardt of Barrington, Motor Werks of Barrington, and Wickstrom Auto Group. The Gatorade Sports Science Institute is located west of downtown Barrington, right across Barrington High School. GE Healthcare headquarters is also located in Barrington. It provides clinical and financial information technology solutions. Other notable companies in Barrington are Goodrich Corporation, Jewel Tea Company, and GK Development.